When you think about martial arts, the most likely image that comes to your brain is that of a person practicing punches and kicks against a training dummy.
But this is mistaken.
Martial arts is more than just throwing punches here and there. It is a way of living, an art, and a way to defend yourself. In fact, the practice was originally meant for emotional and mental discipline.
As you might have guessed, learning martial arts is not an easy task. It includes years of practicing and studying the skills until you master them. That’s why many people avoid them.
Fortunately, there are several forms of martial arts that don’t require too much time or effort to learn. Here are 6 of the easiest martial arts to learn. Read on.
5 Easiest Martial Arts to Learn by Yourself
1. Aikido
Aikido is also known as the way of harmony. It has been around since the 1960s. This Japanese Martial art teaches the practitioner to defend themselves by using their opponent’s force against them.
Also, it is a great martial art for self-defense because you do not need to punch or kick your enemy, which makes it safe for girls to learn.
2. Krav Maga
Krav Maga does not have any rules or boundaries, meaning there are no limitations of what moves you can use on your opponent.
3. Taekwondo
This Korean Martial art is popular because it offers flexibility, cardio endurance, strength, and self-defense skills.
Taekwondo teaches you how to give tough kicks and control your opponent’s force. This martial arts allows its practitioners to punch, kick and block their opponents using the power from their energy.
Taekwondo is not only easy to learn but also a fun martial art to practice. It is recommended to all age groups because it’s not too harsh on the bones and joints.
4. Wing Chun Kung Fu
Although Kung Fu has been known for years, Wing Chun Kung Fu uses speed & agility rather than strength and flexibility to defend against your enemy.
The Wing Chun style is a great martial art for women because it requires less strength and power compared to other martial arts forms. It uses softness to overcome the opponent.
There is no need for punches or kicks, but instead, there’s a need for grabbing your opponent’s arm and throwing them down with one move. This Martial Art is also recommended when you’re just starting with Martial Arts. It has been used by celebrities such as Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.
5. Muay Thai
This form of Martial Art originated from Thailand was created to protect their country from invaders during the 16th century. Muay Thai training focuses on teaching the practitioners how to use punches, kicks, and knee attacks.
Muay Thai is a great Martial Art to protect yourself and build strength and endurance for children and adults.
Unlike other martial arts, there is no need to be flexible when you’re doing Muay Thai. Although it requires some strength, it’s not too harsh on the joints and bones, making it perfect for beginners.
6. Capoeira Brazilian Martial Art
This Brazilian Martial Art has been around since the 1700s. It has African origins and is one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world.
It teaches how to defend yourself by using their hands or feet instead of weapons such as knives or guns.
Capoeira is the best martial art to gain strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. It’s a fun martial art to learn with a group of people that will keep you motivated every day.
How Long Will It Take to Learn Martial Arts
I would suggest that you take martial arts as a journey and not as a destination. Aim at getting better each day and learning new tricks progressively. It may take a few months to a year before you could get a black belt.
But don’t get discouraged because it will take time, but once you finally have your black belt it will all be worth it. Martial Arts is not only for self-defense. It has other benefits such as losing weight and bringing up your stamina.
The best thing that anyone could do is train themselves at the very least to know some moves which could help them if attacked by an intruder in their homes. As such, whenever you learn a move, you should count it as a milestone!
Best Martial Arts For Women
Martial arts are great for not only men but also women. Here are some of the most popular martial arts for women nowadays:
- Muay Thai. This is one of the most popular forms of martial arts that can be found in Thailand. It has been around since the 16th century where it was used as a form of self-defense against invaders. What makes Muay Thai great is that it uses speed and agility instead of strength to defend oneself.
- Capoeira. This Brazilian Martial Art teaches its practitioners how to defend themselves by using their hands or feet instead of weapons.
- Mixed Martial Arts. This form of Martial Art allows you to learn judo, jujutsu, wrestling, boxing, and other fighting styles which are incorporated into the art. It’s a great way to train your body for real-time fight situations.
Why Should You Learn Martial Arts?
Martial arts is not only for self-defense but also builds strength and endurance in participants. What makes this even more popular is that there are celebrities who have been practicing different forms of martial arts to protect themselves. Jackie Chan is known for his Kung Fu while Bruce Lee practices Jeet Kune Do.
Also, taking up martial arts can be fun especially if you have a friend to practice with. Learning Martial Arts will keep you motivated every day because it’s challenging to learn new moves especially when you’re just starting. Other benefits of learning martial arts include:
- Increased self-confidence
- Being physically fit
- Improved focus
- Better coordination and balance
- Learning how to relax your mind and have a zen moment from time to time.
Best Martial Arts To Lose Weight
Martial arts is not only for training the body but also the mind. It can be quite challenging, especially if you’re just starting. But once you mastered some moves, it will surely keep you motivated!
Best martial art to lose weight?
I would say that it’s all about being consistent in going to classes. If you don’t have anyone to train with, then you can always practice at home with a few workouts videos online. Below are three of the easiest martial arts to learn at home:
- Mixed Martial Arts
This form of Martial Art allows you to learn judo, jujutsu, wrestling, boxing, and other fighting styles which are incorporated into the art. It’s a great way to train your body for real-time fight situations.
- Kickboxing
This is another amazing form of martial art that teaches you how to defend yourself while learning endurance and strength at the same time. If any attackers come running towards you then kick them immediately! I would say it’s quite easy for men but not so much for women. Although some women can do it if they have a strong will and determination to succeed in this sport.
- Karate
I know a lot of people who practice Karate because it does teach you how to defend yourself. It does not only focus on strength and endurance but also improves your coordination and balance. I would say that it’s all about finding the best martial arts for your personality or situation if you want to lose weight or learn how to defend yourself!
These are three of the most popular forms of Martial Arts in which you can teach yourself at home if you don’t have any training buddies. Again, just be consistent in going to classes and you will see great results after a few months.
Easiest Martial Arts to Learn for Self Defense: Bottom Line
To sum it all up, Martial Arts is one of the greatest forms of art because it teaches you how to defend yourself. There are a lot of benefits if you practice Martial Arts such as getting physically fit and stronger.
You can also learn some meditation techniques which will keep your mind focused on daily tasks. And the best part about learning martial arts is that you don’t have to go to the gym for your workouts! All you need is some space in your backyard or basement, some comfy workout clothes, and then just go at it!
One final piece of advice I have for everyone is to be patient before learning new moves or trying something else.
It took me four years before I mastered Muay Boran kicks but now I know how to do them very well. So don’t be too hard on yourself and just go at your own pace!
Just keep in mind that it’s all about patience and persistence. So find what is best for you and stick with it!